Latest Comments

Federalism in post-conflict states: Assessing Somalia's challenges and the way forward

Written by A.Y.S. Ali, A.H. Dahir and Z.D. Hersi

The prime objectives of this study are to examine the perceptions and attitudes of Somalis toward federalism, as well as the challenges related to its adoption. The study gathered data via a self-administered online survey using social media. A total of 1,073 respondents nationwide participated in this study. The major variables studied were: perceptions of federalism adoption; legislative power sharing; executive power sharing; judicial power sharing; and fiscal federalism. According to the research findings, poor knowledge of federalism, considering federalism as a clan-based system, and political corruption are the most challenging factors to federalism adoption in Somalia. Other challenges relate to the provisional Somali constitution, such as power distribution, fiscal management, regional boundary disputes, and the status of Mogadishu. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations to overcome these challenges. The study seeks to contribute new ideas to the current discussion on federalism in post-conflict states, and Somalia in particular. The findings of this study will inform Somali policymakers, the Somali populace, the international community, and academia concerning the performance and the practical challenges of Somaliaâs federal agenda.Â